The Sketches Are In!

This year's Sketch for Sammy competition has been filled with some amazing scripts, we've had more entries than ever before! Our shortlisting panel have a hard job narrowing down to the final six, with entries from new budding comedy writers penning their very first script to more established writers, it's testament to how popular this fantastic competition is.

Our Finalists are…

FINDING THE NEW WERA by Sam Bell

“I’m absolutely buzzing to be one of the six finalists for the Sketch for Sammy competition! I’m incredibly excited to see my sketch brought to life, and I can’t wait to see what the other finalists have created too. Having benefited from Sunday for Sammy funding in my younger years, it feels particularly special to now be part of an event that goes towards supporting the next generation of North East talent. I’m so grateful to be part of it and can’t wait for the big day!”

MODERN MONSTER DATING by Jake Wilson Craw

“I am intensely chuffed to be a  Sketch for Sammy finalist. It's such a fabulous opportunity to see my strange comedy on the big stage. Just to be nominated is an honour.”

AAALL RISE by Georgia Nicholson

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be a finalist for 2026 Sketch for Sammy, it’s such an honour to be supported in my writing through a charity that helped me way back in the beginning of my career as an actor. Their encouragement has been invaluable as both an actor and writer.

This charity has been a guiding light to so many creatives from the North East. I’m so proud to be involved and so grateful for their support and encouragement. The charity and everyone involved cares so much about helping creatives find their way and succeed, and that is an incredibly special thing.”

BLACK TONGUE AL by Ian McCormick and Ian Greatbatch

“It’ll be a cracking night of comedy down at the Exchange and we’re delighted to be in the mixer with a chance of winning the prestigious award. Comedy doesn’t come any bigger or better than Clement and La Frenais.”

GEORDIE BOND by Holly Johnson

“I’m absolutely thrilled to have been shortlisted for Sketch for Sammy. It’s a dream come true to get to work with a proper Geordie institution who do such amazing work for our region! This could be the closest my family has come to stardom since my Dad’s non speaking role as a pagan villager in Vera, where his face was concealed by a goat mask.”

HANG OUT ME SMALLS by Andy Mather

“I’m absolutely thrilled that my sketch has been selected as a finalist for Sketch for Sammy.  It’s my first ever attempt at writing a sketch and I can’t wait to see it brought to life on stage!”

What Happens on the Night

Sketch for Sammy is a night full of entertainment, music, comedy and Sammy Spirit, with special guests and fun throughout the night as you'd expect.

• Live performances of the six finalist sketches
• Professional actors bringing the brand-new comedy to life
• Music, laughs and Sammy spirit throughout the night
• A judging panel deciding the winner on the night
• The presentation of the Clement and La Frenais Comedy Award
• The chance to see the winning sketch before it may be performed at our next Arena show in 2028

Whether you're a long-time supporter or brand new to Sunday for Sammy, this is one of the highlights in our calendar, a celebration of creativity, community and North East talent. 

About the Clement and La Frenais Comedy Award

The overall winner receives the prestigious Clement and La Frenais Comedy Award, named after Sammy friends and legendary writers Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, creators of classics including Auf Wiedersehen Pet, Porridge, The Likely Lads and Flushed Away.

We're proud to honour their legacy by supporting the next generation of comedy writers.

Get your tickets

Sketch for Sammy is always a busy night, and with a record number of entries this year, along with a new audience after our hugely popular Arena show return this year, excitement is running high.

Grab your seat here now and be part of a brilliant night celebrating emerging talent.  Tickets are £15, a bargain for a night filled with entertainment and supporting a good cause.

Pre-Order Your Merch

Arrive ready for the fun and support the Trust by ordering your Sunday for Sammy merch with your ticket.

• Large Tote Bag with Lucky Dip T-shirts (select your size and we'll do the rest)

Every purchase helps us raise vital funds to support performers across the region. 

Why Your Support Matters

By joining us on 18th October, you're helping support new talent, emerging writers and keeping Sammy's legacy alive for future generations.